Click this link to translate this Bible study into Russian, Chinese, Arabic, German, Spanish, Portuguese, or French.
Scripture reading – Matthew 5
Considered as Christ’s inaugural address to His followers, the “Sermon on the Mount” is an exposition of the heart of Christ the King (Matthew 5-7). It is a declaration of the character of those who would be citizens in His kingdom. Like God’s Laws and Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount embodies some of the greatest truths known to man. The focus of today’s devotional is Matthew 5:3-12.
Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes
Sitting down on a hillside that overlooked the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 5:1), Jesus taught the people eight inspiring truths that we identify as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12).
The Beatitudes are the sum of Christ’s declaration regarding the actions and attitudes of the citizens of heaven meant to be lived on earth. Each Beatitude begins with the word “Blessed” (Matthew 5:3-12).
I suggest the following as a brief statement of what it means to be blessed: The “Blessed” live in a state of joy and contentment that is not dependent upon their circumstances.
The Blessed: The Person and The Promise.
Matthew 5:3 is the foundation of the Beatitudes and reads: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The “Poor in Spirit” recognize the extremity of their spiritual poverty apart from Christ. The promise was “the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3b). The second Beatitude is, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). The righteous who are “poor in spirit” mourn because they are sensitive to sin, and are comforted knowing that their sins are forgiven (Matthew 5:4).
Thirdly, the blessed are “meek” and are promised, “they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). The meek accept by faith that God’s dealings are good, with unquestioning submission. The blessed also “hunger and thirst after righteousness.” They have an appetite for righteousness and are promised, “they shall be filled” (satisfied, wanting for nothing, Matthew 5:6).
The fifth Beatitude states, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). The merciful do not return evil for evil or insult for insult. They are not vindictive, nor do they seek revenge. They accept that vengeance belongs to the LORD. What is the promise to those who show mercy to others? They will receive mercy, undeserved and forgiving (Matthew 5:7).
The “pure in heart” are promised, “they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). By definition, the “pure in heart” are sincere, free from hypocrisy and doublemindedness (James 1:8). They are single in heart and desire. (Fanny Crosby, the blind poet and gospel songwriter, was asked what she looked forward to most about heaven. She answered, “I shall see Him [Christ] face to face, and tell the story – Saved by Grace.”)
The seventh Beatitude is the peacemaker: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The world counsels that to be a peacekeeper, you must be willing to compromise. Christ, however, taught His followers that “the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9) will be identified as “the children of God” (Matthew 5:9b). What does a peacemaker do? He introduces others to the peace that can only be found in Christ.
Finally, the Blessed will suffer persecution and are promised “the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Jesus taught, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake” (Matthew 5:10–11).
Closing thoughts –
The righteous, according to Matthew 5:11, face three forms of persecution.
They will be reviled (mocked and have disparaging things said about their character and motives). They are persecuted (suffering personal confrontations that are physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual). Lastly, persecutions are also verbal, for the wicked will “say all manner of evil against [the believers] falsely, for [Christ’s] sake” (Matthew 5:11). Verbal persecutions come as lies, innuendoes, and sowing questions concerning one’s motive or sincerity.
As difficult as it may seem (and it is), the attitude of the persecuted is to be this: “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad [jumping and leaping for joy]: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:12).
How can the “Blessed” rejoice when they are persecuted? They recognize that troubles and trials have their purpose in the providence of God’s sovereignty (James 1:2-4).
After all, the “Blessed” know, “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Questions to ponder:
1) What were two types (examples) Jesus used to illustrate the character and influence of believers in the world? (Matthew 5:13-14)
2) Did Jesus come to do away with the law and commandments? (Matthew 5:17-19)
3) What should a believer do when he knows he has offended another believer? (Matthew 5:23-24)
4) What sin is as wicked as adultery? (Matthew 5:27-28)
5) What is the only allowable reason for divorce? (Matthew 5:31-32)
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
* Please subscribe to the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals by entering your name and email address at the bottom of today’s devotion.
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Heart of A Shepherd Inc as a 501c3 public charitable organization. Your donation is welcome and supports the worldwide ministry outreach of www.HeartofAShepherd.com.
Heart of A Shepherd Inc.
7853 Gunn Highway
#131
Tampa, Florida 33626-1611